How to overcome depressive thoughts?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 20-year-old medical student. I am one of the best students in my college. But because of a recent event (like about two months back), I have lost all my enthusiasm towards my work and daily activities. What happened was I was studying at my home back during the holidays and my brother (whom I do not like at all) was having exams. He came up to me and said in a casual way, "Though I am having exams you are studying more than me”. After that event whenever I try to study (nowadays I study for a very short amount of time, because I feel depressed) my mind gets full of those thoughts. My efficiency is at its lowest. I am feeling depressed most of the time. My 'zung self-rating depression scale score' is 51. I am not on any medication. I am planning on talking to him about that event when I go back home this month. Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can understand your concern.

You seem to be suffering from depressive features and hence poor concentration. You have low self-esteem which is why you are sensitive to criticism. I would suggest you focus on your career and do not give room for anyone to influence your thoughts. Give time for physical fitness. Invest yourself in a new hobby. Just be yourself. The world will admire you. After all, life is much more than all these. I suggest you take a capsule Fluoxetine 20 mg once daily along with a tablet Clonazepam 0.25 mg at night for a period of two weeks. Consult your specialist doctor, discuss with him or her, and take the medicines with their consent. Do not worry. You will slowly improve. You can review with me for further follow-up.

I hope this helps you.

Thank you.

Regards.